Case Reports
Fatal Lemierre’s syndrome as a complication of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma
Abstract
Background. Lemierre’s syndrome is septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, initiated by an infection of the head and neck region. This septic thrombophlebitis gives rise to septic microemboli that can disseminate throughout the body to form septic infarctions and abscesses, with the most frequent site being pulmonary.
Methods. We discuss the case of a 14-year-old male with Lemierre’s syndrome as a complication of chronic middle ear infection.
Results. The patient developed septic shock and microemboli, and subsequently died.
Conclusion. This case report illustrates that untreated chronic middle ear infection can lead to potentially fatal complications such as Lemierre’s syndrome, and emphasises the importance of timeous treatment of chronic middle ear pathology.
Authors' affiliations
Marileen Roos, Department of Otolaryngology, Kimberley Hospital Complex, South Africa; and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Tashneem Harris, Department of Otolaryngology, Kimberley Hospital Complex, South Africa; and Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Riaz Seedat, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Full Text
PDF (156KB)Keywords
Cite this article
Article History
Date published: 2016-12-14
Article Views
Full text views: 1494
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments here